Fashion Plates Fashion Plates, a 1950s-themed luncheon and fashion show, was held on March 12. Bridget Naso from KUSI was mistress of ceremonies and Leonard Simpson, aka “The Style Guy” from KUSI, produced this entertaining fashion show. A model wearing a 1950s-inspired outfit came out before each segment of the show and placed the name of the company on an easel reminiscent of vaudeville days. The show began with the retail store Bettie Page featuring 1950s-inspired clothing on the runway. Retro is a huge trend in fashion today and the show featured stylish vintage with Flashbacks Vintage and Boutique De Marcus. Bright colors were very popular in the show and some standouts were the Shops at The Hotel Del Coronado. Sally B.Thornton was the honorary chair for this first year fundraiser benefiting the San Diego Food Bank. Proceeds went to support the Food 4 Kids Backpack program. For more information visit sandiegofoodbank.org/programs/food4kids. Project Ethos rocks FLUXX FLUXX Nightclub was the scene for Project Ethos on Feb. 25. This red carpet venue featured music, art and fashion with an emphasis on new and emerging artists and up-and-coming designers. L.A. rapper MANN, known for his hit “Buzzin” featuring 50 Cent, got the audience going. The talented designers for the fashion show were Keisha Audrey, Cardi Wraps by Kymaro, Frederick’s of Hollywood, Stacey May, Yrenne Landeros, Kenneth Barlis and Tatiana Z. Frederick’s of Hollywood deputed their hot and steamy swimwear, Kenneth Barlis showed off his elegant eveningwear, and the edgy designs of Tatiana Z rocked the audience. Each designer created one outfit on the catwalk for the sponsor Vitaminwater Zero. Everyone in the audience had a chance to text their favorite design, and Kenneth Barlis won the Flavor Fashionista Challenge. Sassy City Chicks Sassy City Chicks hit town on Feb. 24 for a fun-filled night of shopping at the Culy Trucking Warehouse. This fashion bash offered the ultimate girl’s-night-out of shopping while sipping on cocktails. Each entrant received goodies in a reusable swag bag filled with beauty products. The event is now in eight cities featuring more than 100 labels in clothing, jewelry, purses and accessories with fashions costing up to 80 percent off of retail prices. There were also free services such as hair extensions, manicures, make-up, massages and hair styling in the spa lounge. The room was packed, the lines were long and everyone was having a fabulous night out. If you would like to experience this unbelievably entertaining evening, look for their return on Aug. 4 at the Culy building or visit www.sassycitychicks.com. Upcoming Events April 9: Hat and Bonnet contest at Ladies Day 2011 at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park at 2 p.m. For more information, contact Becky Green at (619) 251-3447 April 11: Men’s/Women’s Vintage Clothing and Accessories sale to benefit San Diego Mesa College Fashion Club Scholarship Program at Jimmy Love’s from 5 to 9 p.m. Donation cover charge of $5. April 14: “Click Your Heels” Luncheon & Fashion Show at the Manchester Grand Hyatt at 10 a.m. to benefit the Vista Hill Foundation. For information call (858) 514-5153 April 16: “Fashion With A Passion” at Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising at 350 10th Ave., Third Floor from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. will feature cocktails, shopping and the ultimate fine accessory swap to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. For information, visit www.fashionwithapassion.org. — Diana Cavagnaro is a nationally recognized hat designer and milliner. Diana has been operating a fashion business for 28 years, with the last 18 years being in downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter. She has been teaching in the fashion department at San Diego Mesa College for 18 years. Diana is an active member of the Gaslamp Quarter Association, The American Sewing Guild, the San Diego Costume Council and the Fashion Group International.
